TURA: As many as four militants belonging to the ASAK outfit have surrendered before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Tura, this week.
ASAK militants Amson A Sangma (40) and Jatson R Marak (27)of Tebronggre, Dillat R Marak (19) and Sepson Ch Marak (26) of Mengotchiggre, gave themselves up to the law following sustained pressure on them due to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations in the Dadenggre sub-division area of West Garo Hills.
All four surrendered cadres have been taken into police custody for further investigation even as police mention that efforts continue to nab other accomplices and recover weapons.
GNLA cadre gives himself up : Meanwhile, a GNLA cadre wanted for a several number of criminal activities including extortion, kidnapping and possibly murder has surrendered to police in North Garo Hills handing over a pistol on Saturday.
GNLA cadre Epseng D Shira (26) hailing from Damas Kashkona village of the district was a wanted man for a long time. He was one of the main persons who served demand notes and extorted money from the public on behalf of the GNLA.
He orchestrated several kidnappings and the public of Damas had been on the lookout for him since long.
The accused had begun working for GNLA commander Pilliport since 2012 and joined the group without undergoing armed training.
Fearing for his life he approached church leaders and NGOs to give himself up to the authorities.
The United Church Peace Forum together with the Damas Youth Forum and the North Garo Hills Vigilance Forum played a role in convincing the militant to give up his criminal activities and return to the mainstream.
The accused had begun working for GNLA commander Pilliport since 2012 and joined the group without undergoing armed training.
During his surrender he handed over a 7.65 pistol with seven rounds of ammunition.
According to police, surrendered cadre Epseng allegedly disclosed that money to the tune of seventy lakh rupees was extorted from business people, government officials in Mendipather region. The money was reportedly sent to GNLA chief Sohan D Shira through area commander Pilliport Shira in small installments of two to five lakhs as and when they received the demand amount from their victims.
